Windows support for USB Type-C connectors
This topic is intended for OEMs who want to build a Windows 10 system with USB Type-C connector and want to leverage OS features that allow for faster charging, power delivery, dual role, alternate modes, and error notifications through Billboard devices.
A traditional USB connection uses a cable with a USB A and USB B connector on each end. The USB A connector always plugs in to the host side and the USB B connector connects the function side, which is a device (phone) or peripheral (mouse, keyboard). By using those connectors, you can only connect a host to a function; never a host to another host or a function to another function. The host is the power source provider and the function consumes power from the host.
The traditional configuration limits some scenarios. For example, if a mobile device wants to connect to a peripheral, the device must act as the host and deliver power to the connected device.
The USB Type-C connector, introduced by the USB-IF, defined in the USB 3.1 specification, addresses those limitations. Windows 10 introduces native support for those features.
Feature summary
- Allows for faster charging up to 100W with Power Delivery over USB Type-C.
- Single connector for both USB Hosts and USB Devices.
- Can switch USB roles to support a USB host or device.
- Can switch power roles between sourcing and sinking power.
- Supports other protocols like DisplayPort and Thunderbolt over USB Type-C.
- Introduces USB Billboard device class to provide error notifications for Alternate Modes.
Official specifications
Hardware design
USB Type-C connector is reversible and symmetric.
The main component are: the USB Type-C connector and its port or PD controller that manages the CC pin logic for the connector. Such systems typically have a dual-role controller that can swap the USB role from host to function. It has Display-Out module that allows video signal to be transmitted over USB. Optionally it can support BC1.2 charger detection.
- Hardware design of a USB Type-C system
- Hardware design for a USB Type-C system with an embedded controller
Consider recommendations for the design and development of USB components, including minimum hardware requirements, Windows Hardware Compatibility Program requirements, and other recommendations that build on those requirements. Hardware component guidelines USB
Choose a driver model
Use this flow chart to determine a solution for your USB Type-C system.
| If your system... | Recommended solution... |
|---|---|
| Does not implement PD state machines | Write a client driver to the UcmTcpciCx class extension. Write a USB Type-C port controller driver |
| Implements PD state machines in hardware or firmware and support USB Type-C Connector System Software Interface (UCSI) over ACPI | Load the Microsoft provided in-box drivers, UcmUcsiCx.sys and UcmUcsiAcpiClient.sys. See UCSI driver. |
| Implements PD state machines in hardware or firmware, but either does not support UCSI, or support UCSI but requires a transport other than ACPI | Write a client driver for the UcmCx class extension. Write a USB Type-C connector driver Write a USB Type-C Policy Manager client driver |
| Implements UCSI but requires a transport other than ACPI | Write a client driver to the UcmUcsiCx class extension. Use this sample template and modify it based on a transport that your hardware uses. Write a UCSI client driver |
Bring up drivers
USB Function driver bring-up is only required if you support USB Function mode. If you previously implemented a USB Function driver for a USB micro-B connector, describe the appropriate connectors as USB Type-C in the ACPI tables for the USB Function driver to continue working.
For more information, see instructions about writing a USB Function driver.
USB Role-Switch driver bring-up is only required for devices that have a Dual Role controller that assumes both Host and Function roles. To bring-up the USB Role-Switch driver, you need to modify the ACPI tables to enable the Microsoft in-box USB role-switch driver.
For more information, see the guidance for bringing up the USB Role Switch Driver.
A USB Connector Manager Driver is required for Windows to manage the USB Type-C ports on a system. The bring-up tasks for a USB Connector Manager driver depend on the driver that you choose for the USB Type-C ports: The Microsoft in-box UCSI (UcmUcsiCx.sys and UcmUcsiAcpiClient.sys) driver, a UcmCx client driver, or a UcmTcpciCx client driver. For more information, see the links in the preceding section that describe how to choose the right solution for your USB Type-C system.
Test
Perform various functional and stress tests on systems and devices that expose a USB Type-C connector.
- Test USB Type-C systems with USB Type-C ConnEx: Run USB tests included in the Windows Hardware Lab Kit (HLK).
- Run USB function HLK tests with a C-to-A cable: Search for Windows USB Device in the HLK.
- Certification and compliance: Attend power delivery and USB Type-C compliance workshops hosted by the standards bodies.